EPS (Styrofoam) Recycling

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly referred to as its brand name Styrofoam is recyclable at the Environmental Collection Center in Frisco. Drop-off is at our Environmental Collection Center located at 6616 Walnut Street in Frisco, Texas. Drop-off hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No ID or proof of residency is required. This is a self-service drop-off.

Who is able to able to bring EPS for recycling?

This drop off is open to all, including non-Frisco residents and commercial entities. No ID or proof of residency is required. If you have a full box truck or more of EPS, please call 972-292-5900 prior to drop-off.

Why isn't EPS recyclable in my blue bin?

EPS hasn't been a successful commodity in single-stream recycling, the product breaks into tiny pieces that aren't easily recaptured to be able to be recycled, because of this fact there aren't Styrofoam densifiers (the machine that are able to recycle EPS) at the Material Recovery Facility and any Styrofoam that goes in the recycle ends up being landfilled.

Are there different types of Styrofoam that are or that aren't recyclable?

Yes - and the key trick is what happens when they squish. If they break into little "snowflake" like pieces, it's a recyclable Styrofoam and acceptable for Frisco's drop-off. If it either doesn't squish or squishes and pops back to life, it's not recyclable and needs to be thrown in your trash. Polystyrene paper, the Styrofoam used for food and beverage to-go containers, can be recycled if rinsed and clean. Meat trays are never accepted.

Not Accepted Materials

Accepted Materials

Styrofoam ToysToys: Pool noodles, foam mats, stress balls, sports fingers

Extruded Polystyrene PackagingExtruded Polystyrene Packaging 

Construction polystyreneConstruction polystyrene

Extruded Polystyrene filmExtruded Polystyrene film


Meat Trays 

biodegrabable packing peanutsBiodegradable packing peanuts 

Expanded Polystyrene PackagingExpanded Polystyrene Packaging Disposable polystyrene coolerDisposable polystyrene cooler craft polystyreneCraft expanded polystyrene Polystrene PaperClean and rinsed polystyrene paper: to-go food and beverage containers 

egg cartonsClean and rinsed polystyrene egg cartons styrofoam-peanutsExpanded polystyrene packing peanuts

How do I prepare my Styrofoam for drop-off?

Please "clean" the Styrofoam. For food Styrofoam this means removing all food particles and rinsing. For packaging Styrofoam this means removing all tape, plastic wrap, and cardboard. If you have any materials that we do not accept, please bring those home, bag them, and place them in your regular trash.

Where do I drop-off my Styrofoam?

At the Environmental Collection Center, there are (2) drop-off locations. First choice is outside in our trailer (see picture). Please load Styrofoam through the open concession window. If the trailer is gone, please come up the stairs and drop-off your Styrofoam in the bin next to our used box sales.

Environmental Services Van
Styrofoam Recycling Bin

How does the Styrofoam recycling work?

Styrofoam is densified by being shredded, then compacted into logs called 'gaylords'. These logs are then palletized and shipped off to Houston where they are recycled into things like crown molding and picture frames.